DE102016121265A1 - Cell contacting system for an electrochemical device - Google Patents

Abstract

To a cell contacting system for an electrochemical device comprising a plurality of cell groups, each comprising one or more electrochemical cells, each electrochemical cell having a first cell terminal and a second cell terminal, wherein the electrochemical cells follow one another along a longitudinal direction, the first cell terminals in one first cell terminal region of the electrochemical device follow one another along the longitudinal direction and the second cell terminals follow one another in a second cell terminal region of the electrochemical device along the longitudinal direction, the cell contacting system comprising at least one cell connector for electrically connecting cell terminals of a first cell group to cell terminals of a second cell group create, which also reliably allows a relative movement between the cell terminals to be connected electrically, even if the distances of the successive cell terminals are small, it is proposed that at least one cell connector extends obliquely to the longitudinal direction of cell terminals of the first cell group in the first cell terminal area to cell terminals of the second cell group in the second cell terminal area.

Description

The present invention relates to a cell contacting system for an electrochemical device comprising a plurality of cell groups each comprising one or more electrochemical cells, each electrochemical cell having a first cell terminal and a second cell terminal, the electrochemical cells following one another along a longitudinal direction of the electrochemical device .
the first cell terminals of the electrochemical cells in a first cell terminal region of the electrochemical device follow one another along the longitudinal direction and
the second cell terminals of the electrochemical cells follow one another in a second cell terminal area of the electrochemical device along the longitudinal direction,
wherein the cell contacting system comprises at least one cell connector for electrically connecting cell terminals of a first cell group to cell terminals of a second cell group, and
wherein the cell connector comprises a first contact region for contacting the cell terminals of the first cell group and a second contact region for contacting the cell terminals of the second cell group.

In known electrochemical devices having cell contacting systems of the aforementioned type, prismatic electrochemical cells are juxtaposed in the longitudinal direction of the electrochemical device such that cell terminals of positive polarity and negative polarity cell terminals follow each other in each cell terminal region alternately in the longitudinal direction of the electrochemical device. In order to produce a series connection of these electrochemical cells, two cell terminals of different polarity immediately adjacent to one another are electrically connected to one another by means of a cell connector which extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the electrochemical device from one cell terminal to the other cell terminal and at both cell terminals, for example by welding or screw connection, is fixed.

It is known in such Zellkontaktierungssystemen to compensate for relative movements between the electrochemical cells, for example, due to differential thermal expansion, to provide the cell connector with a compensating element, for example in the form of a wave.

However, if the space available between the cell terminals to be interconnected is limited, the geometry of such a balance element is subject to strict restrictions, which limits its functionality.

The present invention is therefore based on the object to provide a Zellkontaktierungssystem of the aforementioned type, which also allows a relative movement between the cell terminals of the electrochemical device to be electrically connected reliably even when the distances of the successive in the longitudinal direction of the electrochemical device cell terminals small are.

This object is achieved in a Zellkontaktierungssystem with the features of the preamble of claim 1 according to the invention that at least one cell connector of Zellkontaktierungssystems obliquely to the longitudinal direction of the electrochemical device of cell terminals of the first cell group in the first cell terminal area to cell terminals of the second cell group in the second cell terminal area extends.

The present invention is thus based on the concept of interconnecting the cell terminals of the electrochemical cells at least partially not by cell connectors extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the electrochemical device within the same cell terminal region, but by one or more cell connectors extending obliquely to the longitudinal direction from the first Cell terminal area extend over to the second cell terminal area.

As a result of this interconnection of the current path in an oblique or diagonal direction within the cell contacting system, the cell terminals of different polarity interconnected by the respective cell connector are spatially far apart so that sufficient space remains between the contact areas of the cell connector to provide compensation or compensation elements on the cell connector or even such compensation elements can even be dispensed with completely, since relative movements between the interconnected electrochemical cells can be accommodated by a deformation of the intermediate region of the cell connector between the contact regions of the cell connector.

In particular, it can be provided that the cell connector comprises an intermediate region connecting the first contact region and the second contact region, the longitudinal axis of which is aligned obliquely to the longitudinal direction of the electrochemical device.

Furthermore, it can be provided that such an intermediate region comprises lateral edges, which are aligned obliquely to the longitudinal direction of the electrochemical device.

It is preferably provided that the longitudinal axis and / or one or more lateral edges of the intermediate region enclose an angle of more than 10 ° with the longitudinal axis.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the longitudinal axis and / or one or more lateral edges of the intermediate region enclose an angle of less than 80 ° with the longitudinal direction of the electrochemical device.

The longitudinal axis and / or one or more lateral edges of the intermediate region of the cell connector preferably extend substantially parallel to a contact plane of the electrochemical device in which the contact surfaces of the cell terminals of the electrochemical device are located.

The intermediate region can have one or more compensation or compensation elements, for example compensating shafts, but can also be essentially planar without such compensation or compensation elements.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that at least one cell connector extends from cell terminals of the first cell group to cell terminals of a second cell group immediately adjacent to the first cell group.

Alternatively or additionally, provision can be made for at least one cell connector of the cell contacting system to extend from cell terminals of the first cell group to cell terminals of a second cell group not directly adjacent to the first cell group.

In this case, it is preferably provided that the at least one cell connector extends beyond a further cell group of the electrochemical device arranged between the first cell group and the second cell group.

Such a diagonal or oblique interconnection of the cell groups with skipping of one or more cell groups by the cell connector offers the advantage of an improved and in particular more homogeneous temperature distribution within the electrochemical device.

In a particular embodiment of the invention it is provided that the electrochemical cells of the electrochemical device are arranged between two end faces of the electrochemical device, which are transversely, preferably substantially perpendicular, aligned to the longitudinal direction of the electrochemical device and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the electrochemical device wherein the cell contacting system has two power terminals of different polarity.

It is favorable for a simple connection of the Zellkontaktierungssystems with an external power source and / or with an external consumer, when the two power terminals on the same end face of the electrochemical device end.

Alternatively, however, it can also be provided that the two power connections terminate at different end faces of the electrochemical device, in particular at opposite end sides of the electrochemical device.

The two power connections of the cell contacting system are preferably both arranged in the same plane, which preferably runs parallel to a contact plane of the electrochemical device in which lie the contact surfaces of the cell terminals of the electrochemical cells of the electrochemical device.

The Zellkontaktierungssystem may comprise a plurality of cell connectors, which - especially when viewed perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electrochemical device and perpendicular to the contact plane of the electrochemical device in which the contact surfaces of the cell terminals lie - do not overlap and in particular do not cross over.

It is preferably provided that all cell connectors of the Zellkontaktierungssystems do not overlap.

In particular, it can be provided that in the mounted state of the Zellkontaktierungssystems all cell connectors of Zellkontaktierungssystems lie in the same plane, which is preferably aligned parallel to the contact plane of the electrochemical device.

Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the Zellkontaktierungssystem comprises at least two cell connectors, which - especially when viewed perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electrochemical device and perpendicular to the contact plane of the cell terminals of the electrochemical device, in which the contact surfaces of the cell terminals are crossed.

In order to reliably avoid electrical contact between the intersecting cell connectors even with a relative movement of the intersecting cell connectors, for example in the case of vibrations or oscillations occurring during operation of the electrochemical device, it can be provided that at least one of at least two intersecting cell connectors electrically insulating insulation element is arranged.

Furthermore, provision can also be made for a current connection of the cell contacting system and at least one cell connector of the cell contacting system to intersect.

The electrochemical cells of the electrochemical device may each be provided with a degassing outlet to allow gases formed during operation of the electrochemical device in the electrochemical cell to escape through the degassing outlet and thus prevent the formation of overpressure in the housing of the electrochemical cell concerned.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that at least one cell connector in the assembled state of the Zellkontaktierungssystems crosses at least one Entgasungsauslass an electrochemical cell and is provided in the crossing region with a gas guide channel section.

Such a gas guide channel section can be formed, for example, by a recess or bulge provided on the cell connector.

By means of such a gas guide channel section, an additional volume is created between the cell connector and the electrochemical cell, through which gas possibly escaping from the degassing outlet can flow out.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the Zellkontaktierungssystem comprises a support member to which a plurality of cell connectors of Zellkontaktierungssystems are arranged, wherein the support member in the assembled state of the Zellkontaktierungssystems at least one Entgasungsauslass an electrochemical cell traversed and is provided in the crossing region with a gas guide channel ,

Such a gas guide channel may in particular be formed by a recess or recess provided on the carrier element. The gas guide channel preferably extends in the longitudinal direction of the electrochemical device to at least one end side thereof, so that gas escaping from the degassing outlets of the electrochemical cells flows out of the electrochemical device through the gas guide channel of the carrier element via at least one end face of the electrochemical device can.

The support member is preferably formed of an electrically insulating material to maintain the electrical insulation between the cell connectors of the cell contacting system.

In order to enable relative movements between the cell terminals of the same polarity, which are electrically conductively connected to a cell connector, it can be provided that at least one cell connector has at least one recess in at least one of its contact regions, which comprises two sections of the contact region which are used to contact different cell terminals of the same cell group are provided, separating from each other.

Such a recess may for example have the shape of a gap or slot.

Alternatively or additionally, in order to enable a relative movement between the cell terminals of the same cell group, it can be provided that at least one cell connector has at least one elastically and / or plastically deformable compensation section in at least one of its contact areas, which two sections of the contact area that are in contact with different cell terminals of the same cell group are provided, interconnecting.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, it is provided that at least one cell connector of the Zellkontaktierungssystems has been separated from a flat, in particular from a plate-shaped or ribbon-shaped, starting material having a first material portion of a first material for forming at least one contact region of the cell connector and at least one second material portion of a second material for forming a contact region of the cell connector interconnecting intermediate portion of the cell connector comprises.

In particular, it can be provided that a plurality of cell connectors of the cell contacting system have been separated out of the planar starting material.

In this case, preferably the cell connectors of the Zellkontaktierungssystems after separation from the starting material form a conductor composite, which can be handled as a unit, so in that, when assembling the cell contacting system to the electrochemical device, all cell connectors of the cell contacting system are simultaneously brought into contact with the respective associated cell terminals of the electrochemical cells of the electrochemical device.

In this case, the cell connectors in the current conductor composite are initially connected to one another in one piece, preferably by connecting elements, in particular in the form of connecting webs.

Preferably, the connectors of the conductor interconnect are separated from the cell connectors and removed from the cell contacting system only after the cell connectors have been mounted on a support member to provide the required electrical insulation between the cell connectors. Subsequent to disconnecting the connectors, the assembly of the support member and the cell connectors disposed thereon are mounted to the cell terminals of the electrochemical device. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the current conductor composite is introduced into a cutting tool in which the connecting elements are separated from the cell connectors, wherein subsequently the cell connectors by means of a gripping device, for example by means of a multiple gripper, from the separating tool to the cell terminals of the electrochemical device moved and mounted on the same.

The first material of the first material section and the second material of the second material section are preferably different from one another.

In particular, it can be provided that the first material contains aluminum as the main component and / or the second material contains copper as the main component.

The main constituent of a material is that element which has the largest proportion by weight in the relevant material.

The first material section and the second material section of the starting material can in particular be connected to one another in a material-locking manner, for example by cold-roll cladding.

Furthermore, in addition to the first material section and the second material section, the planar starting material may comprise a third material section made of a third material for forming at least one further contact region of the cell connectors.

Preferably, the third material of the third material portion is identical to the first material of the first material portion.

The second material section of the sheet-like starting material is preferably arranged between the first material section and the third material section.

By jointly separating out the cell connectors of the cell contacting system (and optionally also the power connections of the cell contacting system) from a flat starting material containing a plurality of material sections of different materials, the production of the cell contacting system and its mounting to the electrochemical device is significantly simplified and accelerated.

By using different materials in the sheet-like starting material, the materials for the contact areas on the one hand and for the intermediate areas of the cell connectors can be optimally selected on the other hand, for example a first material with the main component aluminum for simple, preferably unmixed, welding to the cell terminals, and a second Material with the main component copper to achieve the highest possible electrical conductivity in the intermediate region of the cell connectors.

This concept can also be used independently of the diagonal or oblique interconnection of the cell terminals of the electrochemical device.

The present invention therefore also relates to a cell contacting system according to the preamble of claim 1 which has the additional features of claim 16 and optionally the additional features of claim 17, claim 18 and / or claim 19.

In particular, the cell contacting system of the present invention is suitable for use in combination with an electrochemical device comprising a plurality of cell groups, each comprising one or more electrochemical cells, each electrochemical cell having first and second cell terminals, the electrochemical cells being along a longitudinal direction of the electrochemical cell Follow one another, the first cell terminals of the electrochemical cells in a first cell terminal region of the electrochemical device follow one another along the longitudinal direction and the second cell terminals of the electrochemical cells follow one another in a second cell terminal region of the electrochemical device along the longitudinal direction.

In this case, the first cell terminals of the electrochemical cells may all have the same polarity (negative or positive), or the first cell terminals of the cell groups following one another in the longitudinal direction may have alternating polarities.

Similarly, the second cell terminals of the electrochemical cells may all have the same polarity (positive or negative), or the polarities of the second cell terminals of the cell groups consecutive along the longitudinal direction may alternate.

• In das Zellkontaktierungssystem kann ein Gas-Führungskanal integriert sein, durch welchen aus den elektrochemischen Zellen durch Entgasungsauslässe entweichendes Gas abfließen kann.

The cell contacting system according to the invention may in particular have the following advantages or features:

• In the Zellkontaktierungssystem may be integrated gas passage through which can escape from the electrochemical cells through Entgasungsauslässe escaping gas.

The diagonal or obliquely interconnected cell connectors, which have a larger surface due to their greater length, have better cooling properties. In particular, a better connection of external cooling to the large-area cell connectors is possible.

A decoupling between the same polarity cell terminals of a cell group is possible by recesses and / or compensation elements, which are provided in the contact areas of the cell connectors.

Signals necessary for cell monitoring, for example for voltage and / or temperature monitoring, can all be removed on one end side of the electrochemical device or preferably on the same (parallel to the longitudinal direction of the electrochemical device extending) longitudinal side of the electrochemical device, wherein in the latter case, the number required components and required operations reduced.

The integration of one or more power connections in the Zellkontaktierungssystem is possible.

The cell connectors and optionally also the power connections of the Zellkontaktierungssystems can be made of a composite of different materials planar starting material, for example, from a - preferably single-layer - aluminum / copper / aluminum tape.

In a direction perpendicular to a contact plane of the electrochemical device, in which the contact surfaces of the cell terminals lie, extending direction, multiple layers of material can be stacked on each other to produce in this way multilayer cell connectors with the desired current carrying capacity.

The electrochemical device may in particular be designed as an accumulator, for example as a lithium-ion accumulator.

If the electrochemical device is designed as an accumulator, it is suitable, in particular, as a heavy-duty energy source, for example for the propulsion of motor vehicles.

All the above or below mentioned polarities (negative or positive) can also be interchanged.

Further features and advantages of the invention are the subject of the following description and the drawings of exemplary embodiments.

• 1 eine perspektivische Darstellung einer elektrochemischen Vorrichtung, die mehrere zwischen zwei Stirnwänden angeordnete Zellgruppen umfasst, welche jeweils mehrere, beispielsweise drei, elektrochemische Zellen umfassen, wobei jede elektrochemische Zelle ein erstes und ein zweites Zellterminal aufweist, wobei die elektrochemischen Zellen längs einer Längsrichtung der elektrochemischen Vorrichtung aufeinander folgen, wobei die ersten Zellterminals der elektrochemischen Zellen in einem ersten Zellterminalbereich der elektrochemischen Vorrichtung längs der Längsrichtung aufeinander folgen und wobei die zweiten Zellterminals der elektrochemischen Zellen in einem zweiten Zellterminalbereich der elektrochemischen Vorrichtung längs der Längsrichtung aufeinander folgen;
• 2 eine Draufsicht von oben auf die elektrochemische Vorrichtung aus 1, mit der Blickrichtung senkrecht zu der Längsrichtung der elektrochemischen Vorrichtung und senkrecht zu einer Kontaktebene der Zellterminals;
• 3 eine Draufsicht von oben auf die elektrochemische Vorrichtung aus den 1 und 2 nach der Montage einer ersten Ausführungsform eines Zellkontaktierungssystems, welches mehrere Zellverbinder zum elektrisch leitenden Verbinden von Zellterminals einer ersten Zellgruppe mit Zellterminals einer zweiten Zellgruppe umfasst, wobei der jeweilige Zellverbinder einen ersten Kontaktbereich zum Kontaktieren der Zellterminals der ersten Zellgruppe und einen zweiten Kontaktbereich zum Kontaktieren der Zellterminals der zweiten Zellgruppe umfasst und wobei der jeweilige Zellverbinder sich schräg zu der Längsrichtung der elektrochemischen Vorrichtung von Zellterminals der ersten Zellgruppe in dem ersten Zellterminalbereich zu Zellterminals der zweiten Zellgruppe in dem zweiten Zellterminalbereich erstreckt;
• 4 eine der 3 entsprechende Ansicht der elektrochemischen Vorrichtung und des Zellkontaktierungssystems, wobei die Zellverbinder und Stromanschlüsse des Zellkontaktierungssystems transparent dargestellt sind, um die Polarität der mittels des Zellkontaktierungssystems kontaktierten Zellterminals der elektrochemischen Vorrichtung erkennen zu lassen;
• 5 eine Draufsicht auf ein platten- oder bandförmiges Ausgangsmaterial, aus welchem die Zellverbinder und Stromanschlüsse des Zellkontaktierungssystems aus den 3 und 4 heraustrennbar sind, wobei das Ausgangsmaterial einen ersten Materialabschnitt aus einem ersten Material (beispielsweise Aluminium) zur Bildung eines ersten Kontaktbereiches der Zellverbinder, einen zweiten Materialabschnitt aus einem zweiten Material (beispielsweise Kupfer) zur Bildung eines die Kontaktbereiche der Zellverbinder miteinander verbindenden Zwischenbereichs der Zellverbinder und einen dritten Materialabschnitt, vorzugsweise aus dem ersten Material (beispielsweise Aluminium), zur Bildung eines zweiten Kontaktbereichs der Zellverbinder umfasst;
• 6 das durch gemeinsames Heraustrennen aus dem platten- oder bandförmigen Ausgangsmaterial aus 5 hergestellte Zellkontaktierungssystem;
• 7 eine Draufsicht auf eine zweite Ausführungsform des Zellkontaktierungssystems, bei welcher mehrere Zellverbinder des Zellkontaktierungssystems im montierten Zustand des Zellkontaktierungssystems jeweils mindestens einen Entgasungsauslass der elektrochemischen Vorrichtung überqueren und in diesem Überquerungsbereich mit einem Gas-Führungskanalabschnitt versehen sind;
• 8 einen Querschnitt durch das Zellkontaktierungssystem aus 7, längs der Linie 8 - 8 in 7;
• 9 eine Draufsicht auf eine dritte Ausführungsform des Zellkontaktierungssystems, bei welcher das Zellkontaktierungssystem ein Trägerelement umfasst, an dem mehrere Zellverbinder und/oder Stromanschlüsse des Zellkontaktierungssystems angeordnet sind, wobei das Trägerelement im montierten Zustand des Zellkontaktierungssystems Entgasungsauslässe von elektrochemischen Zellen der elektrochemischen Vorrichtung überquert und in diesem Überquerungsbereich mit einem Gas-Führungskanal versehen ist;
• 10 einen Querschnitt durch das Zellkontaktierungssystem aus 9, längs der Linie 10 - 10 in 9;
• 11 eine vierte Ausführungsform des Zellkontaktierungssystems, bei welcher die Zellverbinder in ihren Kontaktbereichen jeweils mehrere Ausnehmungen aufweisen, welche jeweils zwei Abschnitte des jeweiligen Kontaktbereichs, welche zum Kontaktieren verschiedener Zellterminals derselben Zellgruppe vorgesehen sind, voneinander trennen;
• 12 eine Draufsicht auf eine fünfte Ausführungsform des Zellkontaktierungssystems, bei welcher die Zellverbinder in ihren Kontaktbereichen jeweils mehrere elastisch und/oder plastisch verformbare Kompensationsabschnitte aufweisen, welche jeweils zwei Abschnitte des jeweiligen Kontaktbereichs, welche zum Kontaktieren verschiedener Zellterminals derselben Zellgruppe vorgesehen sind, miteinander verbinden;
• 13 einen Längsschnitt durch das Zellkontaktierungssystem aus 12, längs der Linie 13 - 13 in 12;
• 14 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform einer elektrochemischen Vorrichtung, die mehrere Zellgruppen umfasst, welche jeweils mehrere, beispielsweise drei, elektrochemische Zellen umfassen, wobei jede elektrochemische Zelle ein erstes und ein zweites Zellterminal aufweist, wobei die elektrochemischen Zellen längs einer Längsrichtung der elektrochemischen Vorrichtung aufeinander folgen, die ersten Zellterminals der elektrochemischen Zellen in einem ersten Zellterminalbereich der elektrochemischen Vorrichtung längs der Längsrichtung aufeinander folgen und die zweiten Zellterminals der elektrochemischen Zelle in einem zweiten Zellterminalbereich der elektrochemischen Vorrichtung längs der Längsrichtung aufeinander folgen, wobei alle ersten Zellterminals der elektrochemischen Zellen dieselbe (beispielsweise negative) Polarität aufweisen und alle zweiten Zellterminals der elektrochemischen Zellen ebenfalls dieselbe Polarität (beispielsweise die positive Polarität) aufweisen;
• 15 eine Draufsicht auf die elektrochemische Vorrichtung aus 14, mit der Blickrichtung senkrecht zu der Längsrichtung der elektrochemischen Vorrichtung und senkrecht zu einer Kontaktebene der Zellterminals;
• 16 eine Draufsicht auf eine sechste Ausführungsform des Zellkontaktierungssystems, bei welcher die Zellverbinder des Zellkontaktierungssystems einander überkreuzen;
• 17 eine der 16 entsprechende Ansicht der elektrochemischen Vorrichtung und des Zellkontaktierungssystems, wobei die Zellverbinder und die Stromanschlüsse des Zellkontaktierungssystems transparent dargestellt sind, um die Polarität der mit den Zellverbindern beziehungsweise Stromanschlüssen kontaktierten Zellterminals erkennen zu lassen;
• 18 eine Draufsicht auf das Zellkontaktierungssystem aus den 16 und 17, ohne die elektrochemische Vorrichtung;
• 19 einen Querschnitt durch das Zellkontaktierungssystem aus 18, längs der Linie 19 - 19 in 18;
• 20 eine Draufsicht auf eine siebte Ausführungsform des Zellkontaktierungssystems, bei welcher sich überkreuzende Zellverbinder durch ein Isolationselement elektrisch voneinander getrennt sind;
• 21 einen Querschnitt durch das Zellkontaktierungssystem aus 20, längs der Linie 21 - 21 in 20;
• 22 eine Draufsicht auf die elektrochemische Vorrichtung aus den 14 und 15 und eine achte Ausführungsform des Zellkontaktierungssystems, welche einen Stromanschluss umfasst, der sich von einer Stirnseite der elektrochemischen Vorrichtung über die Zellverbinder des Zellkontaktierungssystems hinweg bis zu der anderen Stirnseite der elektrochemischen Vorrichtung erstreckt;
• 23 eine der 22 entsprechende Ansicht der elektrochemischen Vorrichtung und des Zellkontaktierungssystems, wobei die Zellverbinder und Stromanschlüsse des Zellkontaktierungssystems transparent dargestellt sind, um die Polarität der mit den Zellverbindern beziehungsweise den Stromanschlüssen kontaktierten Zellterminals erkennen zu lassen;
• 24 eine Draufsicht auf die elektrochemische Vorrichtung aus den 14 und 15 und eine neunte Ausführungsform des Zellkontaktierungssystems, bei welcher die Zellverbinder und Stromanschlüsse des Zellkontaktierungssystems einander nicht kreuzen und die beiden Stromanschlüsse der elektrochemischen Vorrichtung an verschiedenen Stirnseiten der elektrochemischen Vorrichtung enden;
• 25 eine der 24 entsprechende Ansicht der elektrochemischen Vorrichtung und des Zellkontaktierungssystems, wobei die Zellverbinder und Stromanschlüsse des Zellkontaktierungssystems transparent dargestellt sind, um die Polarität der mit den Zellverbindern beziehungsweise den Stromanschlüssen kontaktierten Zellterminals erkennen zu lassen;
• 26 eine Draufsicht auf eine zehnte Ausführungsform des Zellkontaktierungssystems, bei welcher die Zellverbinder in ihren Kontaktbereichen jeweils mehrere elastisch und/oder plastisch verformbare Kompensationsabschnitte aufweisen, die jeweils zwei Abschnitte des jeweiligen Kontaktbereichs, welche zum Kontaktieren verschiedener Zellterminals derselben Zellgruppe vorgesehen sind, miteinander verbinden, und bei welcher die Zellverbinder in ihrem Zwischenbereich, welcher die beiden Kontaktbereiche des jeweiligen Zellverbinders miteinander verbindet, jeweils einen elastisch und/oder plastisch verformbaren Kompensationsabschnitt aufweisen, welcher eine Relativbewegung zwischen einem Abschnitt des ersten Kontaktbereichs des Zellverbinders, der einem ersten Zellterminal in dem ersten Zellterminalbereich der elektrochemischen Vorrichtung zugeordnet ist, und einem Abschnitt des zweiten Kontaktbereichs des Zellverbinders, der einem zweiten Zellterminal in dem zweiten Zellterminalbereich der elektrochemischen Vorrichtung zugeordnet ist, ermöglicht; und
• 27 einen Längsschnitt durch das Zellkontaktierungssystem aus 26, längs der Linie 27 - 27 in 26.

In the drawings show:

• 1 a perspective view of an electrochemical device comprising a plurality of cell groups disposed between two end walls, each comprising a plurality, for example three, electrochemical cells, each electrochemical cell having a first and a second cell terminal, said electrochemical cells along a longitudinal direction of the electrochemical device to each other wherein the first cell terminals of the electrochemical cells in a first cell terminal region of the electrochemical device follow one another along the longitudinal direction, and wherein the second cell terminals of the electrochemical cells in a second cell terminal region of the electrochemical device follow one another along the longitudinal direction;
• 2 a top view of the electrochemical device from above 1 with the viewing direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electrochemical device and perpendicular to a contact plane of the cell terminals;
• 3 a top view of the electrochemical device from the 1 and 2 after mounting a first embodiment of a cell contacting system, which comprises a plurality of cell connectors for electrically connecting cell terminals of a first cell group to cell terminals of a second cell group, wherein the respective cell connector has a first contact area for Contacting the cell terminals of the first cell group and a second contact area for contacting the cell terminals of the second cell group, and wherein the respective cell connector extends obliquely to the longitudinal direction of the electrochemical device from cell terminals of the first cell group in the first cell terminal area to cell terminals of the second cell group in the second cell terminal area ;
• 4 one of the 3 corresponding view of the electrochemical device and the Zellkontaktierungssystems, wherein the cell connectors and power terminals of the Zellkontaktierungssystems are shown transparently to detect the polarity of the contacted by the Zellkontaktierungssystems cell terminals of the electrochemical device;
• 5 a plan view of a plate or ribbon-shaped starting material, from which the cell connectors and power connectors of Zellkontaktierungssystems from the 3 and 4 wherein the starting material is a first material portion of a first material (for example aluminum) to form a first contact region of the cell connectors, a second material portion of a second material (for example copper) to form an intermediate region of the cell connectors interconnecting the contact regions of the cell connectors third material portion, preferably of the first material (for example aluminum), for forming a second contact region of the cell connectors comprises;
• 6 the by common separation from the plate or ribbon-shaped starting material 5 manufactured cell contacting system;
• 7 a plan view of a second embodiment of the Zellkontaktierungssystems in which a plurality of cell connectors of Zellkontaktierungssystems in the mounted state of Zellkontaktierungssystems each traversing at least one Entgasungsauslass the electrochemical device and are provided in this crossing region with a gas guide channel section;
• 8th a cross section through the Zellkontaktierungssystem from 7 , along the line 8 - 8 in 7 ;
• 9 a plan view of a third embodiment of the Zellkontaktierungssystems, wherein the Zellkontaktierungssystem comprises a support member to which a plurality of cell connectors and / or power terminals of Zellkontaktierungssystems are arranged, wherein the support member in the mounted state of Zellkontaktierungssystems traverses Entgasungsauslässe of electrochemical cells of the electrochemical device and in this crossing region provided with a gas guide channel;
• 10 a cross section through the Zellkontaktierungssystem from 9 , along the line 10 - 10 in 9 ;
• 11 a fourth embodiment of the Zellkontaktierungssystems, wherein the cell connectors each have a plurality of recesses in their contact areas, which each separate two portions of the respective contact area, which are provided for contacting different cell terminals of the same cell group, from each other;
• 12 a plan view of a fifth embodiment of the Zellkontaktierungssystems in which the cell connectors in their contact areas each have a plurality of elastically and / or plastically deformable compensation sections, each of which two sections of the respective contact area, which are provided for contacting different cell terminals of the same cell group, connect together;
• 13 a longitudinal section through the Zellkontaktierungssystem 12 , along the line 13 - 13 in 12 ;
• 14 a perspective view of a second embodiment of an electrochemical device comprising a plurality of cell groups, each comprising a plurality, for example three, electrochemical cells, each electrochemical cell having a first and a second cell terminal, wherein the electrochemical cells follow one another along a longitudinal direction of the electrochemical device in that the first cell terminals of the electrochemical cells in a first cell terminal region of the electrochemical device follow one another along the longitudinal direction and the second cell terminals of the electrochemical cell in a second cell terminal region of the electrochemical device follow one another along the longitudinal direction, all the first cell terminals of the electrochemical cells being the same (e.g. ) Polarity and all second cell terminals of the electrochemical cells also have the same polarity (for example, the positive polarity ) exhibit;
• 15 a plan view of the electrochemical device 14 with the viewing direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electrochemical device and perpendicular to a contact plane of the cell terminals;
• 16 a plan view of a sixth embodiment of the Zellkontaktierungssystems in which the cell connectors of the Zellkontaktierungssystems cross over each other;
• 17 one of the 16 corresponding view of the electrochemical device and the Zellkontaktierungssystems, wherein the cell connectors and the power terminals of the Zellkontaktierungssystems are shown transparently to detect the polarity of the contacted with the cell connectors or power terminals cell terminals;
• 18 a plan view of the Zellkontaktierungssystem from the 16 and 17 without the electrochemical device;
• 19 a cross section through the Zellkontaktierungssystem from 18 , along the line 19 - 19 in 18 ;
• 20 a plan view of a seventh embodiment of the Zellkontaktierungssystems in which crossing cell connectors are electrically separated by an insulating element from each other;
• 21 a cross section through the Zellkontaktierungssystem from 20 , along the line 21 - 21 in 20 ;
• 22 a plan view of the electrochemical device of the 14 and 15 and an eighth embodiment of the cell contacting system comprising a power connector extending from one end of the electrochemical device across the cell connectors of the cell contacting system to the other end of the electrochemical device;
• 23 one of the 22 corresponding view of the electrochemical device and the Zellkontaktierungssystems, wherein the cell connectors and power connectors of the Zellkontaktierungssystems are shown transparently to detect the polarity of the contacted with the cell connectors and the power terminals cell terminals;
• 24 a plan view of the electrochemical device of the 14 and 15 and a ninth embodiment of the cell contacting system in which the cell connectors and power terminals of the cell contacting system do not cross each other and the two power terminals of the electrochemical device terminate at different end faces of the electrochemical device;
• 25 one of the 24 corresponding view of the electrochemical device and the Zellkontaktierungssystems, wherein the cell connectors and power connectors of the Zellkontaktierungssystems are shown transparently to detect the polarity of the contacted with the cell connectors and the power terminals cell terminals;
• 26 a plan view of a tenth embodiment of the Zellkontaktierungssystems, wherein the cell connectors in their contact areas each having a plurality of elastically and / or plastically deformable compensation sections, each of which two sections of the respective contact area, which are provided for contacting different cell terminals of the same cell group, connect together, and at which in each case has an elastically and / or plastically deformable compensation section in its intermediate region, which connects the two contact regions of the respective cell connector, which has a relative movement between a section of the first contact region of the cell connector and a first cell terminal in the first cell terminal region of the electrochemical cell Device is assigned, and a portion of the second contact region of the cell connector, the second cell terminal in the second cell terminal region of the electroc associated with the hemic device; and
• 27 a longitudinal section through the Zellkontaktierungssystem 26 , along the line 27 - 27 in 26 ,

Identical or functionally equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals in all figures.

One in the 1 and 2 illustrated, as a whole with 100 designated electrochemical device comprises a plurality, in the illustrated embodiment six, cell groups 102 , which in each case several, in the illustrated embodiment in each case three, electrochemical cells 104 include.

Each of the electrochemical cells 104 has a prismatic, in particular substantially cuboid, housing 106 on, with the case 106 two opposing broad side surfaces 108 , two opposite long narrow side surfaces 110 and two opposite short narrow side surfaces 112 having.

The electrochemical cells 104 the electrochemical device 100 , for example, a battery module, follow in a longitudinal direction 114 the electrochemical device 100 each other, with two each in the longitudinal direction 114 successive electrochemical cells 104 each with one of their wide side surfaces 108 essentially lie flat and preferably substantially congruent to each other.

The cohesion of the electrochemical cells 104 the electrochemical device 100 is through two face plates 116 generated, whose major surfaces perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 114 and are aligned parallel to each other and which in the longitudinal direction 114 spaced from each other, wherein the electrochemical cells 104 the electrochemical device 100 between the two end plates 116 are arranged.

The two face plates 116 are preferably by a plurality, for example two, tension elements 118 , For example in the form of tie rods, tension plates or drawstrings, which on both end plates 116 are fixed, braced against each other, so that the end plates 116 one parallel to the longitudinal direction 114 directed contact pressure on the electrochemical cells 104 the electrochemical device 100 exercise.

Each of the electrochemical cells 104 has a first cell terminal 120 and a second cell terminal 122 on, being the first cell terminal 120 and the second cell terminal 122 have different polarity (negative or positive).

The first cell terminal 120 and the second cell terminal 122 Both are on the same long narrow side surface 110 the respective electrochemical cell 104 out of the case 106 the respective electrochemical cell 104 before, which in the following as the terminal side surface 124 the electrochemical cell 104 referred to as.

The terminal side surfaces 124 all electrochemical cells 104 the electrochemical device 100 are parallel to each other and substantially aligned with each other on the same side of the electrochemical device 100 arranged so that the first cell terminals 120 all electrochemical cells 104 the electrochemical device 100 in a first cell terminal area 126 the electrochemical device 100 along the longitudinal direction 114 follow each other and the second cell terminals 122 all electrochemical cells 104 the electrochemical device 100 in a second cell terminal area 128 the electrochemical device 100 along the longitudinal direction 114 follow one another.

In the 1 and 2 are the first cell terminal area 126 and the second cell terminal area 128 each marked by bounded by broken lines rectangles.

Each of the electrochemical cells 104 further includes one each at the terminal side surface 124 between the first cell terminal 120 and the second cell terminal 122 arranged degassing 130 with a degassing valve 132 ,

Preferably, the degassing outlets follow 130 all electrochemical cells 104 the electrochemical device 100 in a degassing area 134 the electrochemical device 100 along the longitudinal direction 114 the electrochemical device 100 each other.

The degassing area 134 is in the 1 and 2 also marked as a rectangle bounded by broken lines.

The first cell terminals 120 and the second cell terminals 122 the electrochemical cells 104 the electrochemical device 100 are preferably at the same height above the terminal side surfaces 124 over, leaving the essentially flat contact surfaces 136 to which the cell terminals 120 . 122 all are essentially in the same plane, which is hereafter referred to as the contact layer 138 the electrochemical device 100 referred to as.

To the cell groups 102 the electrochemical device 100 to electrically connect in series and the electrochemical cells 104 To connect to an external power source or to an external consumer, is the electrochemical device 100 with one in the 3 and 4 shown Zellkontaktierungssystem 140 provided, which several, in the illustrated embodiment five, cell connector 142 for the electrically conductive connection of cell terminals each of a first cell group 102 with cell terminals of a second cell group 102b includes.

Furthermore, the cell contacting system comprises 140 two power connections 144 , which in each case at cell terminals of a cell group located at the beginning of the series connection 102c or at cell terminals of a cell group located at the end of the series connection 102d are connected and their free ends 146 over a face plate 116 the electrochemical device 100 out to the outside of the electrochemical device 100 each to be contacted by an electrical conductor (not shown).

In the in the 1 to 6 illustrated embodiment of the electrochemical device 100 and the cell contacting system 140 are the two power connections 144 on the same face of the electrochemical device 100 arranged.

The cell connectors 142 of the cell contacting system 140 each comprise a first contact area 148 for contacting the cell terminals of first cell group 102 and a second contact area 150 for contacting the cell terminals of the second cell group 102b ,

Further, each of the cell connectors comprises 142 one the first contact area 148 and the second contact area 150 interconnecting intermediate area 152 ,

For several, for example four, cell connectors 142 ' of the cell contacting system 140 from the 3 and 4 extends a longitudinal axis 153 of the intermediate area 152 obliquely to the longitudinal direction 114 the electrochemical device 100 so that the cell connector in question 142 ' obliquely to the longitudinal direction 114 of cell terminals of the first cell group 102 in the first cell terminal area 126 to cell terminals of the second cell group 102b in the second cell terminal area 128 extends.

At one of the cell connectors 142 which is referred to below as a cell connector 142 ' is designated, the longitudinal axis extends 153 ' of the intermediate area 152 ' however, parallel to the longitudinal direction 114 the electrochemical device 100 so this cell connector 142 ' parallel to the longitudinal direction 114 of cell terminals of the first cell group 102a ' in the first cell terminal area 126 to cell terminals of the second cell group 102b ", also in the first cell-terminal region 126 are arranged extends.

How best 4 It can be seen in which the cell connectors 142 and power connections 144 of the cell contacting system 140 are shown transparently to the polarity of the underlying cell terminals 120 . 122 the electrochemical cells 104 let the cell connectors extend 142 ' , which are inclined to the longitudinal direction 114 from the first cell terminal area 126 to the second cell terminal area 128 extend from cell terminals of the first cell group 102 to cell terminals of one of the first cell group 102 not immediately adjacent second cell group 102b , wherein the respective cell connector 142 ' about one between the first cell group 102 and the second cell group 102b arranged third cell group 102e the electrochemical device 100 extends.

How best 4 It can be seen are the electrochemical cells 104 in the electrochemical device 100 so arranged that in the first cell terminal area 126 arranged first cell terminals 120 from in the longitudinal direction 114 the electrochemical device 100 consecutive cell groups 102 have alternating polarities.

This is how the first cell terminals point 120 the in 4 the leftmost cell group 102 ^{1 has} a negative polarity, the first cell terminals 120 in the longitudinal direction 114 following second cell group 102 ² a positive polarity, the first cell terminals 120 in the longitudinal direction 114 following third cell group 102 ³ a negative polarity, the first cell terminals 120 in the longitudinal direction 114 following fourth cell group 102 ⁴ a positive polarity, the first cell terminals 120 in the longitudinal direction 114 following fifth cell group 102 ⁵ a negative polarity and the first cell terminals 120 in the longitudinal direction 114 following sixth cell group 102 ⁶ a positive polarity.

Consequently, those in the second cell terminal area also exhibit this 128 the electrochemical device 100 arranged second cell terminals 122 in the longitudinal direction 114 consecutive cell groups 102 alternating polarities.

This is the way the second cell terminals point 122 the first cell group 102 ¹ a positive polarity, the second cell terminals 122 the second cell group 102 ^{2 has} a negative polarity, the second cell terminals 122 the third cell group 102 ³ a positive polarity, the second cell terminals 122 the fourth cell group 102 ⁴ a negative polarity, the second cell terminals 122 the fifth cell group 102 ^{5 has} a positive polarity and the second cell terminals 122 the sixth cell group 102 ^{6 has} a negative polarity.

By the cell contacting system described above 140 are the cell terminals 120 . 122 in the illustrated embodiment, six cell groups 102 , which each have three electrochemical cells 104 include, connected in series with each other.

Such a series connection is also referred to as msnp circuit for short, where m is the number of cell groups connected in series one behind the other 102 and n is the number of electrochemical units per cell group 102 designated.

In the in the 1 to 6 illustrated embodiment is thus a 6s3p circuit.

In this series connection is the negative power connection 144a with the negative second cell terminals 122 the second cell group 102 ² connected.

The second cell connector 142 ² connects the positive first cell terminals 120 the second cell group 102 ² with the negative second cell terminals 122 the fourth cell group 102 ⁴ .

The fourth cell connector 142 ⁴ connects the positive first cell terminals 120 the fourth cell group 102 ⁴ with the negative second cell terminals 122 of the sixth cell group 102 ⁶ .

The fifth cell connector 142 ⁵ connects the positive first cell terminals 120 the sixth cell group 102 ⁶ with the negative first cell terminals 120 of the fifth cell group 102 ⁵ .

The third cell connector 142 ³ connects the positive second cell terminals 122 the fifth cell group 102 ⁵ with the negative first cell terminals 120 the third cell group 102 ³ .

The first cell connector 142 ¹ connects the positive second cell terminals 122 the third cell group 102 ³ with the negative first cell terminals 120 the first cell group 102 ¹ .

The positive second cell terminals 122 of the first cell group 102 ¹ are connected to the positive power connection 144b of the cell contacting system 140 connected.

Because the cell connectors 142 and the power connections 144 of the cell contacting system 140 from the 3 and 4 each other (in a perpendicular to the contact plane 138 standing line of sight 154 seen) do not overlap and all in the same, parallel to the contact plane 138 the electrochemical device 100 aligned level, the cell connectors can 142 and the power connections 144 of the cell contacting system 140 in the form of a conductor composite together from a sheet-like starting material, preferably from a metallic starting material, in particular from a sheet material, separated out, for example, punched or cut, are.

A suitable starting material is in 5 and is preferably designed as a plate-shaped or band-shaped hybrid material, which has a first material section 156 from a first material to form the first contact areas 148 the oblique to the longitudinal direction 114 extending cell connector 142 ' and the two contact areas 148 and 150 of the cell connector 142 ' , a second material section 158 from a second material to form the two contact areas 148 and 150 the cell connector 142 ' interconnecting intermediate areas 152 and a third piece of material 160 of a third material for forming the second contact areas 150 the cell connector 142 ' includes.

Here are the first section of material 156 , the second material section 158 and the third material section 160 preferably as in the later longitudinal direction 114 of the cell contacting system 140 running material strips formed.

The second material section 158 The second material is preferably between the first material portion 156 from the first material and the third material portion 160 arranged from the third material.

The first material of the first material section 156 and the third material of the third material portion 160 are preferably identical to each other.

In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the first material contains aluminum as the main component and / or the second material contains copper as the main component.

In this case, the main component of a material is that element whose weight fraction is the largest in the material in question.

The first section of material 156 and the second material section 158 of the starting material 155 are preferably cohesively, for example by cold roll cladding, interconnected.

Likewise, the third section of material 160 and the second material section 158 of the starting material 155 preferably cohesively, for example by cold roll cladding, connected together.

6 shows how the cell connectors 142 and power connections 144 in the same relative positions which these elements in the electrochemical device 100 assembled cell contacting system 140 take from the hybrid starting material 155 be cut out.

In these relative positions, the cell connectors 142 and power connections 144 initially held by (not shown) connecting elements, in particular in the form of connecting webs, which the cell connectors 142 and the power connections 144 connect integrally with each other and together with the same from the starting material 155 be cut out.

The connecting elements are preferably after arranging the cell connectors 142 and the power connections 144 on a carrier element (not shown) of the cell connectors 142 and the power connections 144 separated, for example by punching, and from the Zellkontaktierungssystem 140 removed the required electrical insulation between the cell connectors 142 and power connections 144 manufacture.

Following this, the in 6 illustrated conductor composite in the assembly of the electrochemical device 100 at the cell terminals 120 . 122 the electrochemical cells 104 arranged.

Alternatively, it can also be provided that the current conductor composite after separation from the starting material 155 in a (not shown) separating tool is introduced, in which the connecting elements of the cell connectors 142 and the power connections 144 be separated, for example by punching, and then the cell connectors 142 and the power connections 144 by means of a (not shown) gripping device, for example by means of a multiple gripper, from the separating tool to the cell terminals 120 . 122 the electrochemical device 100 to be moved.

Subsequently, in both cases, the cell connectors 142 and power connections 144 electrically conductive with the respective associated cell terminals 120 . 122 the electrochemical cells 104 contacted, preferably by material bond, in particular by welding, for example by laser welding, ultrasonic welding or friction stir welding.

This is the assembly of the Zellkontaktierungssystems 140 at the electrochemical device 100 completed.

One in the 7 and 8th illustrated second embodiment of Zellkontaktierungssystems 140 is different from the one in the 3 to 6 illustrated first embodiment in that the cell connector 142 ' and at least one of the power connections 144 the degassing area 134 the electrochemical device 100 and preferably in each case at least one degassing outlet 130 an electrochemical cell 104 cross and in this crossing area, each with a gas duct section 162 are provided.

Each gas duct section 162 can through a recess or bulge 164 be formed, through which the distance of the relevant cell connector 142 or electricity connection 144 from the terminal side area 124 the respectively crossed electrochemical cell 104 in the area of the gas duct section 162 increased, so that an additional volume is created, through which optionally from the degassing valves 132 escaping gas can flow out.

The aligned gas duct sections 162 the cell connector 142 ' and the power connections 144 together form one along the longitudinal direction 114 extending gas duct 166 which extends up to at least one end face of the electrochemical device 100 extends, so if necessary from the degassing valves 132 escaping gas across the respective end face away from the electrochemical device 100 can flow out.

Due to the need for electrical insulation spaces between adjacent cell connectors 142 and power connections 144 is this gas guide channel 166 but not completely closed, but has gaps through which gas between two cell connectors 142 , between two power outlets 144 or between a cell connector 142 and a power connection 144 from the gas guide channel 166 can escape.

Incidentally, the right in the 7 and 8th illustrated second embodiment of Zellkontaktierungssystems 140 in terms of structure, function and method of production with in the 1 to 6 illustrated embodiment, reference is made to the above description in this regard.

One in the 9 and 10 illustrated third embodiment of Zellkontaktierungssystems 140 is different from the one in the 7 and 8th illustrated second embodiment in that the Zellkontaktierungssystem 140 a carrier element 168 , for example in the form of a carrier plate 170 comprising, at which the cell connectors 142 and power connections 144 of the cell contacting system 140 are arranged.

The cell connectors can do this 142 and / or the power connections 144 for example, by interference fit, by latching, by caulking, by bonding or otherwise by material bond, positive connection or adhesion to the support element 168 be set to together with the support element 168 to be handled as a single entity.

The carrier element 168 is formed of an electrically insulating material to provide electrical insulation between the cell connectors 142 and the power connections 144 of the cell contacting system 140 maintain.

The carrier element 168 preferably comprises an electrically non-conductive plastic material, for example PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), PP (polypropylene), PA (polyamide), ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) and / or LCP ("Liquid Cristal Polymer"), and is preferably substantially complete formed from such a plastic material.

A particularly suitable material for the carrier element 168 is a talc-reinforced polypropylene material (for example, the material called PP TV20). This material has by the talcum reinforcement on a particularly high dimensional stability.

Like from the 9 and 10 can be seen, is on the support element 168 preferably a gas guide channel 166 formed, which in particular in the longitudinal direction 114 up to at least one end face of the electrochemical device 100 , particularly preferably up to both end faces of the electrochemical device 100 , extends.

The gas guide channel 166 For example, as a recess or as a bulge 172 in the carrier element 168 be educated.

The on the support element 168 trained gas guide channel 166 preferably crosses all degassing outlets 130 the electrochemical cells 104 the electrochemical device 100 so that out of the degassing valves 132 possibly escaping gas through the gas guide channel 166 the carrier element 168 via at least one end face of the electrochemical device 100 from the electrochemical device 100 can drain away.

In this case, it extends to the carrier element 168 trained gas guide channel 166 without interruption between its two the end faces of the electrochemical device 100 adjacent ends, so no gas between the ends of the gas guide channel 166 can escape from it.

The cell connectors 142 and power connections 144 of the cell contacting system 140 are in their at the gas guide channel 166 the carrier element 168 adjacent areas, each with one at the cross section of the gas guide channel 166 adapted recess or bulge 164 provided to the relevant cell connector 142 or the relevant power connection 144 on the carrier element 168 to be able to put on.

Incidentally, the right in the 9 and 10 illustrated third embodiment of Zellkontaktierungssystems 140 in terms of structure, function and method of production with in the 7 and 8th illustrated second embodiment, to the above description in this respect reference is made.

An in 11 illustrated fourth embodiment of Zellkontaktierungssystems 140 is different from the one in the 3 to 6 illustrated first embodiment in that the cell connector 142 and power connections 144 of the cell contacting system 140 in their contact areas 148 . 150 one or more recesses each 174 in particular each having the shape of a gap or slot 176 can each have and two sections 178 of the relevant contact area 148 . 150 , which for contacting various cell terminals 120 . 122 same cell group 102 are provided, separate from each other.

This will make these sections 178 the contact areas 148 . 150 mechanically decoupled from each other, allowing a movement of these sections 178 the contact areas 148 . 150 which different electrochemical cells 104 are assigned, relative to each other in the operation of the electrochemical device 100 and / or tolerance compensation during assembly of Zellkontaktierungssystems 140 is possible.

Incidentally, the in 11 illustrated fourth embodiment of Zellkontaktierungssystems 140 in terms of structure, function and method of production with in the 1 to 6 illustrated in the first embodiment, reference is made to the above description in this regard.

One in the 12 and 13 illustrated fifth embodiment of the Zellkontaktierungssystems 140 is different from the one in the 1 to 6 illustrated first embodiment in that the cell connector 142 and power connections 144 in their contact areas 148 . 150 in each case a plurality of elastically and / or plastically deformable compensation sections 180 each having these compensating sections 180 two sections each 178 of the respective contact area 148 . 150 , which for contacting various cell terminals 120 . 122 same cell group 102 are provided, interconnecting.

For this purpose, the compensation section 180 in particular one or more transversely, preferably substantially perpendicular, to the longitudinal direction 114 the electrochemical device 100 running compensation waves 182 exhibit.

Alternatively or additionally, each compensation section 180 one - along the longitudinal direction 114 taken - have cross-section, which includes at least one U-shape, S-shape, Ω-shape and / or meandering.

Through such a compensation section 180 is a relative movement of the two by the respective compensation section 180 interconnected sections 178 one Contact area 148 . 150 during operation of the electrochemical device 100 and / or tolerance compensation during assembly of Zellkontaktierungssystems 140 allows.

In this embodiment of the cell contacting system 140 is preferably only one of the sections 178 a contact area 148 . 150 , which is one of the cell terminals to be contacted 120 . 122 is assigned to the intermediate area 152 of the respective cell connector 142 connected, with the intermediate area 152 is formed correspondingly narrower than in the 1 to 6 illustrated first embodiment of Zellkontaktierungssystems 140 , This ensures that a movement of the other sections 178 of the respective contact area 148 . 150 which is not directly with the intermediate area 152 are connected, relative to the one section 178 , which directly with the intermediate area 152 connected, not hindered.

Incidentally, the right in the 12 and 13 illustrated fifth embodiment of the Zellkontaktierungssystems 140 in terms of structure, function and method of production with in the 1 to 6 illustrated in the first embodiment, reference is made to the above description in this regard.

One in the 14 and 15 illustrated second embodiment of the electrochemical device 100 is different from the one in the 1 and 2 illustrated first embodiment in that the polarities of the first cell terminal area 126 the electrochemical device 100 arranged first cell terminals 120 the electrochemical cells 104 do not alternate, but all agree with each other.

In particular, therefore, all the first cell terminals 120 of the cell groups 102 for example, have a negative polarity.

Consequently, in this embodiment, the electrochemical device 100 also all in the second cell terminal area 128 the electrochemical device 100 arranged second cell terminals 122 the electrochemical cells 104 the same polarity.

In particular, the second cell terminals 122 of the cell groups 102 So for example, have a positive polarity.

Incidentally, the right in the 14 and 15 illustrated embodiment of the electrochemical device 100 in terms of structure, function and method of production with in the 1 and 2 illustrated in the first embodiment, reference is made to the above description in this regard.

One in the 16 to 19 illustrated sixth embodiment of the Zellkontaktierungssystems 140 serves to contact the cell terminals 120 . 122 the electrochemical cells 104 in a series connection in the in the 14 and 15 illustrated second embodiment of the electrochemical device.

How best 17 It can be seen in which the cell connectors 142 and the power connections 144 of the cell contacting system 140 are shown transparently to the polarities of the respective underlying cell terminals 120 . 122 In the embodiment shown here, a 6s3p circuit of the six cell groups is detected 102 each of three electrochemical cells 104 made as follows:

The negative power connection 144a is with the negative first cell terminals 120 the second cell group 102 ² connected. The positive second cell terminals 122 of the second cell group 102 ² are by means of the first cell connector 142 ¹ with the negative first cell terminals 120 the fourth cell group 102 ⁴ connected. The second cell connector 142 ² connects the positive second cell terminals 122 the fourth cell group 102 ⁴ with the negative first cell terminals 120 of the sixth cell group 102 ⁶ . The third cell connector 142 ³ connects the positive second cell terminals 122 the sixth cell group 102 ⁶ with the negative first cell terminals 120 of the fifth cell group 102 ⁵ . The fourth cell connector 142 ⁴ connects the positive second cell terminals 122 the fifth cell group 102 ⁵ with the negative first cell terminals 120 the third cell group 102 ³ . The fifth cell connector 142 ⁵ connects the positive second cell terminals 122 the third cell group 102 ³ with the negative first cell terminals 120 the first cell group 102 ¹ . The positive power connection 144b is with the positive second cell terminals 122 the first cell group 102 ¹ connected.

In this embodiment of the cell contacting system 140 Thus, the cell connector 142 ³ extends from cell terminals of the sixth cell group 102 ⁶ obliquely to the longitudinal direction 114 the electrochemical device 100 up to cell terminals of the sixth cell group 102 ⁶ immediately adjacent fifth cell group 102 ⁵ .

Furthermore, this embodiment comprises the Zellkontaktierungssystems 140 several cell connectors 142 which, when viewed along a plane perpendicular to the contact plane 138 the electrochemical device 100 aligned line of sight 154 - cross over.

Thus, the first cell connector 142 ¹ intersects with the fourth cell connector 142 ⁴ and with the fifth cell connector 142 ⁵ . The second cell connector 142 ² intersects with the third cell connector 142 ³ and with the fourth cell connector 142 ⁴ . The third cell connector 142 ³ intersects with the second cell connector 142 ² . The fourth cell connector 142 ⁴ intersects with the first cell connector 142 ¹ and with the second cell connector 142 ² . The fifth cell connector 142 ⁵ intersects with the first cell connector 142 ¹ and with the negative power connector 144a ,

Because of these crossovers, the intermediate areas must 152 the intersecting cell connectors 142 or power connections 144 at different height levels, that is at different distances from the contact level 138 the electrochemical device 100 , run like this 19 It can be seen in which the intermediate area 152 of the second cell connector 142 ² at a greater distance from the contact plane 138 extends as the third cell connector 142 ³ and the fourth cell connector 142 ⁴ .

They require different distances from the contact plane 138 the electrochemical device 100 can be generated in particular by the fact that the cell connectors 142 or power connections 144 , which in sections at a greater distance from the contact plane 138 have to run with - preferably substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction 114 the electrochemical device 100 running - beads or offsets 184 are provided.

Incidentally, the right in the 17 to 19 illustrated sixth embodiment of the Zellkontaktierungssystems 140 in terms of structure, function and method of production with in the 1 to 6 illustrated in the first embodiment, reference is made to the above description in this regard.

However, the sixth embodiment of the cell contacting system 140 due to crossovers between the cell connectors 142 and the power connections 144 not be separated out as a conductor composite from a flat source material.

One in the 20 and 21 illustrated seventh embodiment of Zellkontaktierungssystems 140 is different from the one in the 16 to 19 illustrated sixth embodiment in that between the cross-over cell connectors 142 and power connections 144 an electrically insulating insulating element 186 , preferably in the form of a substantially flat insulation plate 188 , is arranged.

This prevents it from relative movements between the intersecting cell connectors 142 and / or power connections 144 during operation of the electrochemical device 100 , for example, due to vibrations or impacts acting on a motor vehicle in which the electrochemical device 100 is arranged, to a short circuit between the intersecting elements of Zellkontaktierungssystems 140 comes.

The isolation element 186 For example, it may comprise an electrically non-conductive plastic material and, in particular, may be substantially completely formed from such an electrically non-conductive plastic material.

Incidentally, the right in the 20 and 21 illustrated seventh embodiment of Zellkontaktierungssystems 140 in terms of structure, function and method of production with in the 16 to 19 illustrated sixth embodiment, to the above description, reference is made in this regard.

One in the 22 and 23 illustrated eighth embodiment of the Zellkontaktierungssystems 140 also serves to establish a series connection of the cell groups 102 in the 14 and 15 illustrated second embodiment of the electrochemical device 100 ,

This eighth embodiment of the cell contacting system 140 is different from the one in the 16 to 19 illustrated sixth embodiment in that the cell connectors 142 of the cell contacting system 140 do not overlap each other, but only one of the power connections 144 the cell connectors 142 crossed over to achieve that both power connections 144a . 144b on the same face of the electrochemical device 100 are arranged.

How best 23 It can be seen in which the cell connectors 142 and the power connections 144 of the cell contacting system 140 are shown transparently to the polarity of the underlying cell terminals 120 . 122 the electrochemical cells 104 in this embodiment of the cell contacting system 140 a 6s3p series connection of the six cell groups 102 each of three electrochemical cells 104 made as follows:

The negative power connection 144a is with the negative first cell terminals 120 the sixth cell group 102 ⁶ connected. The fifth cell connector 142 ⁵ connects the positive second cell terminals 122 the sixth cell group 102 ⁶ with the negative first cell terminals 120 of the fifth cell group 102 ⁵ . The fourth cell connector 142 ⁴ connects the positive second cell terminals 122 the fifth cell group 102 ⁵ with the negative first cell terminals 120 the fourth cell group 102 ⁴ . The third cell connector 142 ³ connects the positive second cell terminals 122 the fourth cell group 102 ⁴ with the negative first cell terminals 120 the third cell group 102 ³ . The second cell connector 142 ² connects the positive second cell terminals 122 the third cell group 102 ³ with the negative first cell terminals 120 the second cell group 102 ² . The first cell connector 142 ¹ connects the positive second cell terminals 122 of the second cell group 102 ² with the negative first cell terminals of the first cell group 102 ¹ . The positive power connection 144b is with the positive second cell terminals 122 the first cell group 102 ¹ connected.

In this embodiment of the cell contacting system 140 includes one of the power connections 144 For example, the negative power connection 144a , a crossing section 190 which is preferably in the longitudinal direction 114 the electrochemical device 100 at a greater distance from the contact plane 138 the electrochemical device 100 over the oblique to the longitudinal direction 114 extending cell connectors 142 extends.

Alternatively, it could also be provided that the crossing section 190 of the electricity connection 144a at a lower distance from the contact level 138 under the cell connectors 142 extends through.

The greater distance of the crossing section 190 from the contact level 138 is achieved, for example, by the fact that the power connection 144a with one, preferably substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction 114 running, beading or bend 184 is provided.

To achieve that the crossing section 190 of the electricity connection 144a at a lower distance from the contact plane 138 runs as the intermediate areas 152 the cell connector 142 , could be provided that the distance between the intermediate areas 152 from the contact level 138 through, preferably substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction 114 the electrochemical device 100 extending, beads or offsets is increased.

In this embodiment of the cell contacting system 140 all cell connectors extend 142 each from the cell terminals 120 . 122 a cell group 102 to cell terminals 122 . 120 one of these cell groups 102 immediately adjacent further cell group.

Incidentally, the right in the 22 and 23 illustrated eighth embodiment of the Zellkontaktierungssystems 140 in terms of structure, function and method of production with in the 16 to 19 illustrated sixth embodiment, to the above description, reference is made in this regard.

One in the 24 and 25 illustrated ninth embodiment of Zellkontaktierungssystems 140 is different from the one in the 22 and 23 illustrated eighth embodiment in that the power connector 144a not with the cell connectors 142 of the cell contacting system 140 crossed, but at one of the front side of the electrochemical device 100 at which the other power connection 144b ends, opposite end face of the electrochemical device 100 ends.

There is no cell connector in this embodiment 142 and no power connection 144 another element of the cell contacting system 140 overlaps, it is possible this cell contacting system 140 in the form of a conductor composite of cell connectors 142 and power connections 144 (with the same connecting fasteners) of a sheet-like starting material 155 to separate out, as in the 5 and 6 in the context of the first embodiment of the Zellkontaktierungssystems 140 is shown.

For this purpose, however, must current conductors for connecting the electrochemical device 100 with an external power source or with an external load from two opposite sides of the electrochemical device 100 be introduced.

Incidentally, the right in the 24 and 25 illustrated ninth embodiment of Zellkontaktierungssystems 140 in terms of structure, function and method of production with in the 22 and 23 illustrated eighth embodiment, to the above description in this respect reference is made.

One in the 26 and 27 illustrated tenth embodiment of Zellkontaktierungssystems 140 is different from the one in the 12 and 13 illustrated fifth embodiment in that the cell connector 142 not only in their contact areas 148 . 150 in each case a plurality of elastically and / or plastically deformable compensation sections 180 having a relative movement between each two sections 178 of the respective contact area 148 . 150 used to contact various cell terminals 120 . 122 same cell group 102 are provided allow, but also in the intermediate areas 152 the cell connector 142 ' each a compensation section 180 ' is provided, which a relative movement between the first contact area 148 and the second contact area 150 of the respective cell connector 142 ' allows.

For this purpose, the compensation section 180 ' in particular one or more transversely, preferably substantially perpendicular, to the longitudinal direction 114 the electrochemical device 100 running compensation waves 182 ' exhibit.

Alternatively or additionally, each compensation section 180 ' one - along the longitudinal direction 114 taken - have cross-section, which includes at least one U-shape, S-shape, Ω-shape and / or meandering.

Through such a compensation section 180 ' is it possible to have the first contact area 148 and the second contact area 150 of the respective cell connector 142 ' during operation of the electrochemical device 100 and / or tolerance compensation during assembly of Zellkontaktierungssystems 140 to move relative to each other.

In this embodiment of the cell contacting system 140 can the intermediate areas 152 the cell connector 142 ' be made as wide as the one in the 1 to 6 illustrated first embodiment of Zellkontaktierungssystems 140 ,

The compensation sections 180 , which each have two sections 178 a contact area 148 . 150 used to contact various cell terminals 120 . 122 same cell group 102 are provided, connect with each other, preferably extend from a lateral edge 192 of the respectively assigned contact area 148 . 150 which is preferably substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction 114 extends to a side edge 194 of the intermediate area 152 which is preferably oblique to the longitudinal direction 114 runs.

Incidentally, the right in the 26 and 27 illustrated tenth embodiment of Zellkontaktierungssystems 140 in terms of structure, function and method of production with in the 12 and 13 illustrated fifth embodiment, reference is made to the above description in this regard.

Claims (19)

A cell contacting system for an electrochemical device (100) comprising a plurality of cell groups (102) each comprising one or more electrochemical cells (104), each electrochemical cell (104) having a first cell terminal (120) and a second cell terminal (122) wherein the electrochemical cells (104) follow one another along a longitudinal direction (114) of the electrochemical device (100), the first cell terminals (120) of the electrochemical cells (104) in a first cell terminal region (126) of the electrochemical device (100) along the Longitudinal direction (114) and the second cell terminals (122) of the electrochemical cells (104) follow one another in a second cell terminal region (128) of the electrochemical device (100) along the longitudinal direction (114), the cell contacting system (140) comprising at least one cell connector (142) for electrically connecting cell terminals of a first cell group (102a) comprising cell terminals of a second cell group (102b), and wherein the cell connector (142) comprises a first contact area (148) for contacting the cell terminals of the first cell group (102a) and a second contact area (150) for contacting the cell terminals of the second cell group (102b) characterized in that at least one cell connector (142) slopes obliquely to the longitudinal direction (114) of cell terminals (120) of the first cell group (102a) in the first cell terminal region (126) to cell terminals (122) of the second cell group (102b) in the second cell group (102b) second cell terminal area (128). Zellkontaktierungssystem after Claim 1 , characterized in that the cell connector (142) comprises an intermediate region (152) interconnecting the first contact region (148) and the second contact region (150), the longitudinal axis (153) of which is oblique to the longitudinal direction (114) of the electrochemical device (100). is aligned. Zellkontaktierungssystem according to one of Claims 1 or 2 , characterized in that at least one cell connector (142) extends from cell terminals (120) of the first cell group (102a) to cell terminals (122) of a second cell group (102b) immediately adjacent to the first cell group (102a). Zellkontaktierungssystem according to one of Claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that at least one cell connector (142) extends from cell terminals (120) of the first cell group (102a) to cell terminals (122) of a second cell group (102b) not immediately adjacent to the first cell group (102a). Zellkontaktierungssystem after Claim 4 , characterized in that the at least one Cell connector (142) extends across a cell group (102e) of the electrochemical device (100) disposed between the first cell group (102a) and the second cell group (102b). Zellkontaktierungssystem according to one of Claims 1 to 5 characterized in that the electrochemical cells (104) of the electrochemical device (100) are disposed between two end faces of the electrochemical device (100) aligned transversely to the longitudinal direction (114) of the electrochemical device (100) and longitudinally (114 ) of the electrochemical device (100), the cell contacting system (140) having two power terminals (144) of different polarity. Zellkontaktierungssystem after Claim 6 , characterized in that the two power connections (144a, 114b) terminate at the same end face of the electrochemical device (100). Zellkontaktierungssystem after Claim 6 , characterized in that the two power connections (144a, 144b) terminate at different end faces of the electrochemical device (100). Zellkontaktierungssystem according to one of Claims 1 to 8th , characterized in that the cell contacting system (140) comprises a plurality of cell connectors (142) that do not overlap. Zellkontaktierungssystem according to one of Claims 1 to 8th , characterized in that the cell contacting system (140) comprises at least two cell connectors (142) crossing each other. Zellkontaktierungssystem after Claim 10 , characterized in that between at least two intersecting cell connectors (142) at least one electrically insulating insulating element (186) is arranged. Zellkontaktierungssystem according to one of Claims 1 to 11 , characterized in that at least one cell connector (142) in the assembled state of Zellkontaktierungssystems (140) at least one Entgasungsauslass (130) of an electrochemical cell (104) traversed and is provided in the crossing region with a gas guide channel portion (162). Zellkontaktierungssystem according to one of Claims 1 to 12 Characterized in that the Zellkontaktierungssystem (140) comprises a support element (168) are arranged on the plurality of cell connector (142) of Zellkontaktierungssystems (140), wherein the support member (168) in the mounted state of the Zellkontaktierungssystems (140) at least one Entgasungsauslass ( 130) of an electrochemical cell (104) and provided in the crossing region with a gas guide channel (166). Zellkontaktierungssystem according to one of Claims 1 to 13 , characterized in that at least one cell connector (142) has at least one recess (174) in at least one of its contact regions (148, 150), which comprises two sections (178) of the contact region (148, 150) for contacting different cell terminals (120 , 122) of the same cell group (102) are separated from each other. Zellkontaktierungssystem according to one of Claims 1 to 14 , characterized in that at least one cell connector (142) in at least one of its contact regions (148, 150) at least one elastically and / or plastically deformable compensation section (180), which two sections (178) of the contact region (148, 150) for contacting different cell terminals (120, 122) of the same cell group (102). Zellkontaktierungssystem according to one of Claims 1 to 15 , characterized in that at least one cell connector (142) of the Zellkontaktierungssystems (140) has been separated from a sheet-like starting material (155) having a first material portion (156) of a first material for forming at least one contact region (148) of the cell connector (142 ) and at least one second material portion (158) of a second material for forming an intermediate region (152) of the cell connector (142) interconnecting the contact regions (148, 150) of the cell connector (142). Zellkontaktierungssystem after Claim 16 , characterized in that a plurality of cell connectors (142) of the Zellkontaktierungssystems (140) have been separated together from the sheet-like starting material. Zellkontaktierungssystem according to one of Claims 16 or 17 , characterized in that the first material contains as the main component aluminum and / or the second material as the main component copper. Zellkontaktierungssystem according to one of Claims 16 to 18 , characterized in that the first material portion (156) and the second material portion (158) of the starting material (155) are materially interconnected.

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